Not exactly breaking news, but Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky, and Mathieu Falmini have now officially been released by Arsenal, as reported by the Metro.
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All three veterans have given plenty to Arsenal over the years, but the trio are well past their best and no longer up to the required standard. Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta were falling short every time they were given first team opportunities, while Rosicky hasn’t been anywhere near the first team for quite some time – due to injuries and competition.
They’ve all come to the end of their contracts at Arsenal, and understandably weren’t offered extensions. You’d expect Rosicky and Flamini to potentially look for one more club before they retire, but Arteta has been heavily tipped to join Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City (via the Metro).
Rosicky has really struggled with injuries over the last few seasons, but at the moment he’s seemingly ready for action. Along with his former teammate Petr Cech he could play a decent role for the Czech Republic during the Euros this summer.
In a group with Croatia, Turkey, and Spain, they may well be able to clinch second spot, and we may well see them in the knockout stages against some of the big boys.
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Arsenal transfer news
Arsene Wenger has already looked busy in the transfer window this summer, despite Granit Xhaka being the only signing so far. With the ageing trio leaving though, there’s plenty of space for new arrivals, and hopefully we see at least three players through the doors at the Emirates.